How can I avoid roaming charges when using eSIMfo?

One of the primary reasons people use eSIMfo is to avoid roaming charges from their primary mobile provider. Below, you will find information to help you avoid roaming fees while using an eSIM abroad.

When do you have to pay roaming charges?

Roaming charges are applied when you travel outside the coverage area included in your mobile plan. Consult your service provider to learn which locations your plan covers.

How can I avoid roaming charges?

If you have a physical SIM card for your primary plan, the easiest way to avoid roaming charges is to remove the SIM card from your device before traveling. This way, the SIM card cannot connect to any network. Alternatively, you can avoid roaming charges by adjusting specific settings on your device.

Here is a short checklist to avoid roaming charges:

• Activate airplane mode before leaving your coverage area
• Disable your primary SIM
• If possible, turn off the international roaming option for your primary SIM
• Disable mobile data switching on your device

In addition to device settings, the following can help you avoid unwanted roaming charges:

• Check the billing section of your primary provider to see if any charges have been incurred.
• Track your usage via the eSIMfo app to ensure your eSIM is being used for data.
• Use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal for calls and messages that do not require a mobile network.

How can I activate airplane mode?

Activating airplane mode ensures your device does not connect to any mobile network. To ensure your primary SIM does not connect abroad, activate this mode before leaving your primary coverage area.

Activating airplane mode on iOS devices

1. Go to Settings.
2. Enable Airplane Mode.

Activating airplane mode on Android devices

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Enable Airplane mode.

When can I deactivate airplane mode?

Keep airplane mode enabled until you are ready to use your eSIM. Before doing so, ensure you have disabled your primary SIM, international roaming (if possible), and cellular data switching.

How can I disable my primary SIM?

Your primary SIM is the one you use regularly (it can also be an eSIM). To disable it, follow these steps:

Disabling your primary SIM on iOS devices

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Select your Primary SIM.
3. Toggle off "Turn On This Line."

Note: The Cellular option is labeled as Mobile Data in some regions.

Disabling your primary SIM on Android devices

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Disable your primary SIM.

How can I turn off international roaming for my primary SIM?

Turning off international roaming ensures your SIM does not use data outside its coverage area.

Disabling international roaming for the primary SIM on iOS

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Select your Primary SIM.
3. Toggle off "Data Roaming."

Can I disable international roaming for my primary SIM on Android?

Unfortunately, Android users cannot disable international roaming for a specific SIM. It applies to all active SIMs.

Since some eSIMs require data roaming to function, you must ensure your primary SIM is disabled to avoid charges.

If your eSIM does not require roaming, you can disable it here:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming.
2. Disable Roaming.

How can I prevent mobile data switching?

Preventing data switching ensures your device does not automatically switch between SIMs to connect to a network.

Disabling cellular data switching on iOS

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.
2. Select your eSIMfo as the default data line.
3. Toggle off "Allow Cellular Data Switching."

Disabling mobile data switching on Android

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Mobile data.
2. Select your eSIMfo eSIM.

If you have any questions, our support team is available 24/7 to help you.